MONARCH RAISES ALARM OVER RESURGENCE OF MILITANCY, ILLEGAL TAXATION IN CALABAR CREEKS
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Clan Head of Efut Akani Esuk in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Muri Eyo Effiong Okon V, has expressed concern over what he described as a renewed wave of militancy and extortion in several riverine communities around Calabar.
Speaking at his palace on Wednesday, the traditional ruler alleged that armed groups have established a presence in parts of the creeks, where they impose illegal levies on fishermen and residents while disrupting economic and marine activities.
According to him, the activities of the suspected militants have forced many residents to flee their communities and abandon their means of livelihood due to persistent intimidation and fear of attacks.
Okon alleged that fishermen operating in the affected waterways are routinely subjected to extortion, with portions of their catches confiscated and mandatory payments demanded before they are allowed to carry out their daily activities.
“I receive reports almost daily about the activities of these militants. They extort fishermen, impose illegal taxes and terrorise innocent residents who depend on fishing and other lawful businesses for survival,” he said.
The monarch further claimed that the community of Ine Nkanwaba has been largely deserted as a result of militant activities, while settlements such as Afa Okon Inyang, Afa Iba, Afa Ita, Ine Isong and Ine Ikot Itukmbang remain under the influence of the armed groups.
He attributed the persistence of the problem to the difficult terrain of the creeks, noting that the shallow waterways and the militants’ familiarity with the environment often hinder security operations and make arrests difficult.
While acknowledging previous security interventions in the area, Okon maintained that such efforts had failed to permanently curb the activities of the groups.
The traditional ruler disclosed that he has reported the situation to relevant security authorities in the state and called for urgent action to restore peace and security in the affected communities.
Corroborating the claims, an 85-year-old fisherman, Chief Okon Nyong Okon, said he was forced to relocate to the mainland after years of alleged harassment and threats by the armed groups.
“They come in speedboats, demand taxes and sometimes take away our catches. I can no longer endure the threats. I have lost my canoe and fishing nets and now stay on the mainland for safety,” he said.
The fisherman appealed to the Cross River State Government to intervene and provide assistance to affected residents while restoring security in the creeks.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Security Adviser (South) to Governor Bassey Otu on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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